Do you know who I am is a fifth track from Mylene Farmer 12th album L’Emprise released November 25 2022.
DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM finds its place as the fifth track on Mylène Farmer’s 12th album, “L’Emprise,” which was released on November 25, 2022. In this chapter, we’ll explore the song’s significance within the album, its critical reception, and the meaning of its lyrics.
“L’Emprise,” Mylène Farmer’s latest musical offering, emerged onto the music scene in late 2022, capturing the hearts of fans and critics alike. Within this musical tapestry, “Do You Know Who I Am” stands out as a compelling piece that weaves themes of self-identity and isolation into its lyrical fabric.
Reviews of the album shed light on the song’s impact. The British duo Archive, known for their close collaboration with the singer, contributed to electro-rock tracks to the album, including “Do You Know Who I Am.” Their work on this particular song, as well as on “Ne plus renait,” showcases Mylène Farmer’s remarkable vocal prowess. Her voice, characterized by its admirable clarity and its ability to surprise with rich bass notes, emerges as a standout feature of “L’Emprise.”
Critics have praised the album’s coherence, highlighting it as one of Mylène Farmer’s most consistent works. “L’Emprise” crafts a world of constant melancholic lyricism, simultaneously cradling and uplifting the listener. The struggle, a recurring theme throughout the album, is poignantly encapsulated in “Do You Know Who I Am.”
In the grand scheme of “L’Emprise,” “Do You Know Who I Am” is a poignant exploration of identity and self-worth, set against the backdrop of Mylène Farmer’s powerful vocals and a musical landscape that captivates the listener. The collaboration with Archive elevates this track to a notable position within the album, adding layers of complexity to its sonic and emotional depth. As critics have attested, “L’Emprise” is an album that not only engages with its audience but also leaves a lasting impression through songs like “Do You Know Who I Am.”
Archive, the British musical collective, has had a dynamic history shaped by the creative energies of its core members, Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths, as well as a rotating lineup of talented individuals who have contributed to their ever-evolving sound.
At its core, Archive embodies a fusion of musical styles, and its eclectic composition has been a hallmark of its allure over the years. The group’s members have undergone changes as they embarked on their musical journey, but their commitment to innovation and experimentation has remained steadfast.
One notable chapter in Archive’s collaborative history was their involvement in Mylène Farmer’s album “Bleu Noir,” which made its debut on December 6, 2010. Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths, the driving forces behind Archive, took on the role of producers for this project, lending their unique creative vision to three standout tracks: “Light Me Up,” “Leila,” and “Diabolique Mon Ange.” (see the previous chapter)
What makes these tracks even more intriguing is the synergy created by the contributions of other talented members of the Archive collective. Smiley Barnard, a skilled percussionist, added his drumming finesse to “Light Me Up” and “Diabolique Mon Ange,” enhancing the rhythmic depth of these songs. Steve Harris, a proficient guitarist, left his mark on “Light Me Up,” “Leila,” and “Diabolique Mon Ange” with his distinctive guitar work, adding layers of melody and texture. Jonathan Noyce, a seasoned bassist, lent his expertise to “Light Me Up,” providing a solid foundation of basslines that anchored the compositions.
As a testament to the impact of Archive’s music, it’s worth noting that on June 23, 2007, Mylène Farmer herself attended one of their concerts. The event took place at the iconic Parc des Princes, where Archive served as the opening act for Muse. Mylène later recorded a duet with Muse at the end of 2022 called ‘Ghosts.’ This cross-pollination of musical talent and admiration among artists highlights the mutual respect and creative synergy that can emerge within the world of music.
Mylène Farmer’s musical journey has been shaped by a myriad of influences and collaborations, and among them, Archive holds a special place. Over the years, Mylène has openly expressed her admiration for a diverse array of artists, but Archive’s unique blend of dark introspection and lyrical flights has consistently resonated with her creative spirit.
In a candid interview with “Le Grand Studio” on RTL in September 2009, Mylène revealed her eclectic taste in music, sharing her love for artists such as Sigur Rós, Depeche Mode, David Bowie, and, notably, Archive. This eclectic mix of influences speaks volumes about Mylène’s open-mindedness and her willingness to draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of musical genres and styles.
As she embarked on the creation of her album “Bleu Noir,” released on December 6, 2010, Mylène’s collaboration with Archive took center stage. In December 2010, during an interview with Radio FG, she praised Archive for their unique approach to dissecting the dark side of the soul. This collaboration marked a significant departure from her previous work, with Mylène acknowledging that Archive’s production style differed significantly from what she had experienced before.
Speaking to Hit West on December 9, 2010, Mylène reflected on her long-standing appreciation for Archive and her desire to merge their artistic universes. The collaboration with Archive felt spontaneous, driven by a mutual desire to create something distinct and powerful. Working with Darius and Archive, Mylène entered what felt like a musical laboratory, exploring the haunted and obsessive aspects of music.
Darius Keeler, one half of the creative force behind the British group Archive, offered an intriguing glimpse into his experiences working with Mylène Farmer. Their collaboration, marked by its unique blend of musical styles, left a lasting impression on both artists, and was characterized by mutual respect and creative exploration.
In a candid interview with lefigaro.fr on May 26, 2011, Darius Keeler expressed his delight at collaborating with renowned French singers like Mylène Farmer. He found it flattering that artists of such stature sought to work with Archive, a group known for their distinct style. Mylène’s and Luc Besson’s projects were significantly different from Archive’s typical musical endeavors, making the collaboration all the more interesting. Darius aimed to infuse their “commercial” approach with an “underground” edge, a creative challenge that intrigued him. For those of you who are curious: the acclaimed film director Luc Besson, who also happened to produce Mylène’s video for ‘QUE MON CŒUR LÂCHE’ back in the early 90s, commissioned Archive to write the soundtrack for ‘Michel Vaillant,’ a drama set around the 24-hour Le Mans race.
Darius emphasized Mylène’s status as a pop artist, which made their collaboration even more intriguing. When Mylène approached Archive with songs that needed a musical backdrop, Darius proposed a collaborative approach: “If we do the music and you do the lyrics, then we agree to do it.” Together, they entered the studio to record, with Mylène meticulously honing her vocal parts until she achieved the desired result. Darius spoke highly of Mylène’s character, noting her simplicity and kindness, which pleasantly surprised him given her fame and status.
Darius also touched upon Archive’s relatively infrequent collaborations with other artists. He expressed a desire to release an entire album dedicated to a series of collaborations, a rare opportunity for a group that tends to chart its own musical course. Mylène Farmer’s collaboration with Archive, however, was different. It took a strong determination on Mylène’s part to make it happen. Darius recalled how Mylène insisted on the collaboration, and Archive gladly accepted the challenge, ultimately creating a unique musical synergy that left a mark on both artists.
The evolution of Mylène Farmer’s lyrics throughout her career is a fascinating journey through her artistic exploration and the themes that resonate with her at different points in time. One noticeable theme that emerges during the era of “L’Emprise” and its surrounding releases is the concept of the “alien.” It’s a theme that she weaves into her work in various intriguing ways, sparking curiosity and speculation among her fans.
In “Do You Know Who I Am,” Mylène Farmer spells out this theme explicitly in her lyrics. This song serves as a key entry point into her exploration of the “alien” motif. The term “alien” here can be seen as a metaphor for feeling disconnected or out of place in the world, a sentiment that many can relate to at times. Mylène’s ability to express these complex emotions through her music is one of her enduring strengths as an artist.
The video for “Rayon Vert” adds another layer to this theme. In it, she playfully references the idea of an “alien.” This may not necessarily imply a literal belief in extraterrestrial life or perhaps it is a very clear declaration of what she believes is real.
When Mylène Farmer mentions during an interview that she might want to invite an “alien” for dinner, it’s a whimsical response that aligns with her enigmatic persona. What is she really saying?
The concept of humanity’s relationship with extraterrestrial life is a topic that has intrigued people for decades. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the possibility of contact with intelligent beings from beyond our planet. Mylène’s exploration of the “alien” theme could indeed reflect this broader cultural fascination and a sense of questioning about our place in the universe.
Ultimately, the inclusion of the “alien” theme in Mylène Farmer’s work adds depth and intrigue to her lyrics, inviting listeners to explore their own interpretations and connect with her music on a deeper level. Whether it’s a reflection of personal experiences or a broader commentary on the human condition, Mylène’s ability to provoke thought and spark curiosity through her art is a testament to her enduring impact as a singer and songwriter.
NEVERMORE
In a surprising turn of events, “Do You Know Who I Am” has found a new life in the Nevermore stadium tour of 2023/2024. It is one of the seven tracks featured in an instrumental version within the Nevermore Medley.
lyrics with translation
Il ne faut pas s'oublier
Ne jamais s’oublier
Ne faut pas s'effacer
Ne jamais s'abîmer
Nul ne sait qui je suis
Nul n’a vraiment compris
Et je suis qui je suis
Et je suis qui je suis
Exècre brutalité
Des mots gros
Des gros mots
Exècre les faux-semblants
Et ceux qui font semblant
Exècre le rien
À tout être qui m'atteint
Je dis
Do you know who I am
Je n'ai plus de réflexes
Pas de vie, de retake
Toi l'alien
Entends ma voix
Do you know who I am
Je n'ai plus dе réflexes
Ni ressort, ni rеtake
Toi l'alien
Entends ma voix
C'est moi
Do you know who I am
Je n'ai plus de reflexes
Pas de vie, de retake
Toi l’alien
Entends ma voix
C’est moi
Je n'ai plus de réflexes
Ni ressort, ni retake
Toi l’alien
Entends ma voix
C'est moi
Don't forget yourself
Never forget yourself
Don't fade away
Never get damaged
No one knows who I am
No one has really understood
And I am who I am
And I am who I am
Hate brutality
Big words
Big words
Hate the pretense
And those who pretend
Exhale the nothing
To any being who reaches me
I say
Do you know who I am
I have no reflexes
No life, no retake
You the alien
Hear my voice
Do you know who I am
I have no reflexes
No spring, no retake
You the alien
Hear my voice
It's me
Do you know who I am
I have no reflexes
No life, no retake
You the alien
Hear my voice
It's me
I have no reflexes
No spring, no retake
You the alien
Hear my voice
This is me
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